EASTHAMPTON, Mass. (WWLP) – In just a few weeks, a project that’s been over 10 years in the making will be completed and revealed to the citizens of Easthampton.
The Nashawannuck Pond Boardwalk project is on pace to be completed by early June, and people told 22News they are really excited.
Picturesque Nashawannuck Pond is an Easthampton landmark that sits in the shadow of Mt. Tom.
Since November, it’s been a construction zone, but in just a few weeks it will be a boardwalk promenade and a focal point of what the city hopes will be a downtown revitalization.
“With Cottage Street being the historical district, we are hoping that this will tie right into that and then the recreational through the parks department. So we are hoping this will help make us exactly what we want to be which is a destination location,” said Easthampton Mayor Karen Cadieux
Crews are in the final stages of construction on the Nashawannuck Boardwalk project. On Thursday, they were doing concrete finishing work on the sidewalk next to the boardwalk.
“People can come and hang out. Fish, a lot easier to access and you don’t have to worry about falling in,” said concrete finisher John Chekovsky.
The boardwalk will include benches, new lighting, bike racks, a sculpture, floating docks and places to launch a kayak.
“Just a place for people to gather, to sit, to look at the beautiful views, maybe have an ice cream while they are sitting here,” said Easthampton City Planner Jessica Allan.
Ice Cream shop owner Jim Ingram told 22News he’s looking forward to it.
“I’ve been here for about 11 years and I’ve heard it being talked about since I got here and I can’t believe it’s just about to be opened, so I think this is going to be really good for Easthampton and especially for Cottage Street,” said Ingram, the owner of Mt. Tom’s Homemade Ice Cream.
Nashawannuck Pond has come a long way over the years. In 2009 it was filled with algae, and in 2010 in was dredged of sediment.
The boardwalk project cost $850,000. It was funded through grant money.
